RED LION, Pa. — The old Red Lion Country Club could have a new look in a few years. The nearly 60-acre plot, which is currently owned by the Red Lion School District, is being listed for sale, and there’s a potential buyer who would build new houses.
However, the move has raised concerns among some people of York Township.
“This is a gem; this is a jewel to be enjoyed," said Eric Maloney, who lives right next to the old Red Lion Country Club.
Maloney said he uses his binoculars to observe the wildlife living on the land, from the comfort of his back porch. Among the animals he sees are a pair of bald eagles and the endangered short-eared owl.
“They’ll perch in the trees, and you’ll hear them talking to one another across the valley," said Maloney. "Last year, we saw them mating and raising a brood of babies in the grassland.”
The short-eared owls are currently found in select areas of the northeast, such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland.
Maloney says they require habitats in undeveloped, open grasslands to thrive.
“They will die out if this is developed," said Maloney. "Where are they going to go?”
The biggest challenge to selling and developing the land is changing the zoning from commercial to residential property. York Township officials say any potential changes to the zoning could happen around May.
Maloney says the land should be protected for the owls and open for everyone to enjoy.
“Let’s study them, let’s allow our children to enjoy seeing these endangered animals," said Maloney.